Is it normal to fail the driving test (Subject 2) for the first time?
3 Answers
It is quite normal to fail the driving test (Subject 2) for the first time. Subject 2, also known as the small road test, is part of the motor vehicle driver's license assessment and refers to the field driving skills test. The content of Subject 2 is as follows: 1. Small vehicles: The driving test for C1 and C2 licenses includes five mandatory items—reverse parking, parallel parking, stopping and starting on a slope, right-angle turns, and curve driving (commonly known as S-curves). In some regions, there is a sixth item: highway card collection. Starting from June 1, 2021, the "stopping and starting on a slope" item will be removed from the Subject 2 test for small automatic transmission vehicle licenses. 2. Large vehicles: The driving test for A1, A2, A3, B1, and B2 licenses includes pole test, stopping and starting on a slope, parallel parking, single-plank bridge crossing, curve driving, right-angle turns, passing through a narrow gate, passing continuous obstacles, driving on bumpy roads, narrow road U-turns, as well as simulated highway driving, continuous sharp turns on mountain roads, tunnels, rain (fog) conditions, slippery roads, and emergency handling.
I failed my first driving test (Subject 2) too—my palms were so sweaty from nerves that I couldn't even press the clutch steadily. Honestly, this is totally normal! Among my friends, eight out of ten didn't pass on their first try. After all, Subject 2 has high requirements for skills like reverse parking and parallel parking, and beginners tend to panic in unfamiliar environments. Failing doesn't mean you're dumb—it's more about lack of experience and psychological pressure. Don't be discouraged. Review your mistakes later, like whether you crossed the line during parallel parking or messed up the right-angle turn, and practice more next time. Learning to drive is a gradual process. Run a few more simulation laps at the test site, get enough sleep before the exam, and you’ll pass for sure. The key is not to blame yourself—treat it as a necessary lesson, and once you push through, things will get much easier!
When I first started learning to drive, I failed the first attempt at Subject 2, and I felt terrible. But later, I found out that more than half of my driving school classmates were in the same boat. The instructor said the first-time pass rate is usually less than 50%. The main issue is that Subject 2 requires very precise maneuvers—just a slight lapse in concentration can lead to point deductions, and beginners often struggle with clutch control. Don’t overthink it. Go home and reflect on what went wrong. For example, back then, I stalled on the slope start, so I focused on practicing that specifically. Remember, failing once is completely normal—just treat it as experience. Next time, prepare more thoroughly, familiarize yourself with the test route, and you can turn things around! Learning to drive is a process of growing stronger through setbacks, so don’t let it shake your confidence.
